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Here are some more pictures of the Marina in Blaze as produced for the launch of the real car, as shown in the recent finds section. A standard issue one is shown alongside for comparison.

The photos show that some of the paintwork fading is still present. However, it is much better than when I bought it (and defenitely less noticeable in the hand ). I am reluctant to do much more polishing, as it is too easy to rub through the paint on the edges.

Thank's for the extra pictures Fred. It would be interesting to note down the wheel mould numbers from inside the rim moulding (the same as we do with the Matchbox 'Superfast' wheels in another thread elsewhere), they should be quite easy to see and then compare with the numbers on your normal production model, I expect both models to show single and or double digit numbers, is this something you don't mind checking for us, thank's.

GHOSTHUNTER.

hi Fred, still think you had a steal ,would not had hesitated, yes i agree its shinny enought, i gone thought some paint just trying too much, thanks for the pics, just got to find one

I remember my mum owning a Marina, i also remember her cursing about it on a daily basis on the commute to school!!!!

Sad Days for the British motoring industry at that time with so many 'BL' cars suffering from reliability issues and bad build quality. They were great cars despite all that, giving many Families the chance for cheap motoring for Days out to the Seaside and it is great to see remaining examples being looked after at car shows.

GHOSTHUNTER.

Great photos, fun appetizer for when I acquire one like this for myself, certainly my diecast holy grail in 2015 More 1972-73 Marinas survive than from any other production years largely because they were much better rust protected than in later years when cost cutting and use of recycled scrap caused cars to rust very fast indeed if they lived outside. Apparently for the April 1971 launch mass production began with 1000 TC models in blaze plus 4000 Super + Deluxe models in a deeper red so the choice of colour by BL for the promo model was very deliberate!

Ghosthunter, I couldn't see any mould numbers on the wheels of either item. Are you sure Corgis have numbers like on the Matchbox wheels?

Perhaps if I drill the base off it will be easier to look at the inside of the wheels?

"Ghosthunter, I couldn't see any mould numbers on the wheels of either item. Are you sure Corgis have numbers like on the Matchbox wheels?"

...erm, really!

My first issue Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow 'Whizzwheels' models all have numbers and that size of wheel is identical across the range apart from the 'Hot Foil' patern, and while I can see why they may not be on the 'Blaze' Marina (very early production etc), I am surprised your other Marina is also minus any numbers...

...can forum members have a look at their Corgi 'Whizzwheels' models to see what do and do not have wheel mould numbers, thanks.

GHOSTHUNTER.

In that case I'm probably being blind and just not seeing them. Can you post a photo of one of these numbers to help me have a better look for them?

Who me, I've gotta get off me backside and do some work...

Ghosty.